Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City

Fall migration is one of the best times of year to get out birding. With such a high concentration of birds moving through the area, there is always plenty to see. This past week we saw a real mix of weather from almost summer-like to winter conditions across the city. Despite the fluctuating weather, fall migration continued as scheduled.

herm - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Hermit Thrushes are currently migrating through our area. They can be distinguished from other thrushes by their reddish tail.

Over the past seven days, I observed many of the species we would expect to see moving through the area at this time of year. Thrushes including Hermit, Swainson’s, and Veery were all observed on or near the forest floor in several of the wooded areas I birded. American Robin numbers increased this past week, as it seems many of the birds that breed to our north have made their way into our area. It is hard to pass by a fruit tree right now without hearing a flock of Robins calling back and forth.

ruby - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Ruby-crowned Kinglets are currently abundant as they migrate through the Forest City.

Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets are currently migrating through the city in impressive numbers. These birds can be found almost anywhere from backyards to city parks and ESAs. Spotting these tiny songbirds can be tricky, so be sure to pay attention for their constant movements and high pitched calls. Kinglets feed predominantly on insects, but will also eat the seeds of many plants on cooler days when insects are scarce at this time of year. If you are searching for these birds, pay close attention to fields of Goldenrod adjacent to forest edges.

vult - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Mid October is when large numbers of Turkey Vultures migrate across Southwestern Ontario.

Raptor species continue to move through our area with Turkey Vultures being the most abundant. These birds soar with their wings raised slightly upward giving them a “V” shape. This, along with their red featherless heads, helps distinguish them from eagles and other large raptors. Several Merlins were observed at various locations within the city including along the Thames River, Westminster Ponds, and in my own Old South neighbourhood.

nash - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Nashville Warbler perched in a Crabapple tree.

Despite warbler migration having already peaked, some species are still present in our area. Last week I observed a Nashville Warbler while birding in Greenway Park. One warbler that we expect to see this time of year and later is the Yellow-rumped. In fact, London, Ontario falls within this bird’s winter range, making it the only warbler to winter this far north. While most other warblers consume a strictly insect diet, the Yellow-rumped’s diet changes to fruit and seeds in the fall and winter allowing them survive in our climate. Look for Yellow-rumped Warblers along the banks of the Thames River, and along forest edges where there is an abundance of food in the form of berries and Goldenrod seeds.

yellow - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Yellow-rumped Warbler perched adjacent to a field of Goldenrod.

Migrating waterfowl have begun to show up in the city, specifically at Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA. I observed a large flock of RIng-necked Ducks on the east side of the pond over the weekend, and a Common Loon in the middle of the pond on Tuesday. Unfortunately, both of these species were too far out for quality photos. Scanning the pond with binoculars to get a better view of the loon revealed American Coots, Wood Ducks, and a Pied-billed Grebe.

rusty - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Rusty Blackbird foraging in the swampy habitat at Westminster Ponds ESA.

Rusty Blackbirds were also present at the Westminster Ponds ESA. These birds have experienced one of the largest population declines of any North American songbird. It is estimated that their numbers have dropped by 85-99% in the last forty years. The name Rusty Blackbird describes their winter plumage perfectly, but may not depict how beautiful these birds truly are. The best access point to see the Rusty Blackbirds is from behind Tourist Information on Wellington Road. From there, follow the boardwalk north that runs alongside Saunders Pond.

rusty 2 - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Rusty Blackbirds can be found in flooded forests, wet thickets, swamps and marshes during migration. The west side of Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA provides this exact habitat.

Dark-eyed Juncos and many of our winter sparrows, including White-throated and White-crowned, have now returned to the area. Many of you may have already seen these birds, as they are frequent visitors to backyard feeders. If you do not get these birds in your yard, you can find them feeding on Goldenrod and other seeds in the same open areas and forest edges where you will find Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Sparrows can be incredibly difficult to identify, especially in fall when many of these birds are still displaying their juvenile plumage. Remember to pay special attention to the subtle differences in their field marks to achieve proper identification.

thropat - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Several winter sparrow species have returned to our area including the White-throated pictured here.

The weather this past week varied incredibly. The one thing that remained fairly consistent was strong winds. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding a location out of the wind to improve your birding success. By doing a few minutes of research and selecting a location out of the wind, you will not only stay warmer on the cool days, but you will also find more birds. Birds unnecessarily expend energy by balancing on blowing branches or trying to keep warm in the path of a cold wind. For these reasons, birds will almost always search out protected areas. The temperature difference between a sheltered and non-sheltered area can vary by several degrees at this time of year, and the warmer protected areas are where insect activity will also be the greatest. Insects will always be found on the leeward side of a forest, and consequently so too will the birds that feed on them. Some of the city’s natural areas are hundreds of hectares in size, but by doing your research and finding a food source out of the wind, you can eliminate a lot of area where bird activity will be limited.

crowned - Fall Migration Heats Up In The Forest City — Monday morning’s wet flurries provided the perfect backdrop for this White-crowned Sparrow, a species that recently returned to our area.

Fall migration has brought plenty of great species into the London area. Many of these species will be with us all winter, while others will not. If you get the chance, head to your favourite birding hotspot, or one of the locations I mentioned in this post; use the wind to your advantage and take in all of the beautiful sights and sounds fall birding has to offer.

Good birding,
Paul

Good Birding Report: London, Ontario
August, 28 – September 4, 2015

egret - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Great Egrets are often observed during fall migration at The Coves in London, Ontario.

With fall migration now underway, great opportunities exist across the city for observing a variety of migrants. Warbler activity increased this past week with several species being observed. One of the best locations I found for warbler sightings was my own backyard. I observed five species in total from my deck while enjoying my morning coffee, including: Yellow, Pine, Black and White, Blackburnian, and Magnolia. These birds could be seen high in the tree tops, quickly moving from branch to branch as they fed on insects. Other warbler species recorded from areas other than my yard were Nashville and Common Yellowthroat. Warblers can be extremely difficult to identify, especially in fall, so having a pair of binoculars handy along with a field guide is recommended.

9774833281 e80a94154f b - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Late summer is one of the best times to observe Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. My backyard feeder was busy this week with birds looking to fuel up before heading south. Many people take their feeders down too early in September and miss out on all of the activity. Make sure your nectar is fresh, especially with the high temperatures we have been experiencing. Homemade hummingbird nectar is cheap and easy to make by boiling 4 parts water to one part white sugar. Be certain to let the mixture cool completely before refilling your feeder. If the mixture in your feeder looks cloudy, clean out your feeder and replace with fresh nectar. Hummingbirds can also be observed at the various parks and ESAs throughout the city. Look for these tiny birds hovering around blooming wildflowers, particularly Jewelweed. These small, orange, trumpet shaped, native flowers are a favourite of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

eeee - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Great Egret

Great Egrets typically stopover at The Coves each August during migration, and this year is no different. Excellent views from Springbank Drive have been achieved daily for several weeks now. It has been my experience that this egret is best viewed on the north side of the road in the morning, and on the south side during the afternoon. Other birds observed at this location include Great Blue Herons, Lesser Yellowlegs and Wood Ducks. Most of the Wood Ducks present are either females, juveniles or males in eclipse plumage, so don’t expect to see any vibrant males displaying breeding plumage just yet.

gbge - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Great birding at The Coves as a Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret wade in the shallow water.

Along the Thames River several raptor species were observed, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Osprey. Shorebird species were also recorded with Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer all viewed in Greenway Park.

swi - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — Chimney Swifts circling the Chimney located at King’s College before entering for the night.

Early September is the perfect time of year to observe large flocks of Chimney Swifts entering communal roosts at sunset. In London, we are fortunate to have several such roosts that had impressive numbers of swifts entering each night. Chimneys located at King’s College, Labatt’s Brewery, and Smith Fruit had counts of 525, 473, and 527 swifts respectively this past week. Don’t let these numbers fool you; the counts are down from previous years and Chimney Swifts are listed as threatened on Ontario’s Species at Risk List. If you wish to experience this incredible sight, I recommend getting to one of these locations about half an hour before sunset. Watch as a large flock of Chimney Swifts forms and begins circling the chimney. As darkness falls, swifts will begin diving into the chimney where they will roost for the night.

mon - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — We may not see the same numbers as we did in years past, but Monarch migration is now underway and it is a teat to see these beautiful butterflies.

Birds are not the only species beginning to migrate in London. Despite their recent drop in numbers, Monarch Butterflies are beginning to make their way south. This past week I noticed an increase in the number and concentration of Monarchs. While observing the warblers in the backyard, two Monarchs also made their way through. Yesterday at Greenway Park six of these at risk butterflies could be observed nectaring on teasels and thistles in an open meadow in the east end of the park. This area has been supporting Monarchs for several weeks now and the numbers here have recently increased, albeit slightly.

lesser - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> August, 28 - September 4, 2015 — The shallow mud flats of the Thames River are the perfect place to find Lesser Yellowlegs during migration.

If you get the chance this long weekend, head out to your favourite park or ESA and take in some of these migrants. Before you know it they will be gone, not reappearing until next spring. I personally am going to try to get as many shots of Monarch Butterflies as I can while they are still around. Many of the late blooming native wildflowers are flourishing right now, providing the perfect backdrop for these beautiful butterflies.

Good birding,
Paul

City Of London Provides Explanation For Cutting Milkweed In Greenway Park

Earlier this week I published a post City Of London Shows Disregard For Species At Risk regarding the recent pesticide use and mowing of Milkweed in Greenway Park. Through the power of social media, my concerns reached over 15,000 people and were shared with various Monarch Butterfly Groups, including the David Suzuki Foundation. Several concerned citizens, myself included, contacted their City Councillors asking why these actions took place. I have heard back from my Ward 11 Councillor Stephen Turner and learned the mowing occurred as a result of lost soccer balls. Whereas, the pesticides were applied to control Poison Ivy.

ball - City Of London Provides Explanation For Cutting Milkweed In Greenway Park — It was sad to learn that the City of London mowed the largest patch of Milkweed in Greenway Park over complaints of lost soccer balls.

Here is Councillor Turner’s response:

Thanks to Paul Roedding for noticing the issue regarding the activities in Greenway Park recently. He brought to my attention that a significant area of naturalized meadow adjacent to the soccer fields had been mowed and that this area was well populated with milkweed, which is an important food source and habitat for migrating Monarch butterflies. He also remarked about the use of pesticides in the area as well. I wrote to the City’s Parks and Recreation department to inquire about what had happened and why so I’d like to share the response with you. There is an area around the soccer fields that had grown tall and dense in recent years and regular complaints about this had been filed with City Hall. Soccer players were often losing balls in the meadow and were concerned about any concealed dangers they might encounter while searching for balls. In response, city staff cut the area back to provide a larger buffer to the soccer pitch, in particular, behind the goals. Unfortunately, staff were unaware of the significance of the milkweed or monarch population in the mowed area. Spot application of pesticides was performed along the fenceline of the Greenway pollution control plant to treat poison ivy that had grown in the area. While I have campaigned against the use of cosmetic pesticides, the pesticide application in this circumstance seems reasonable given the public safety risk. Staff have assured me that the area and practice will be reviewed and the appropriate area will be allowed to re-naturalize. I have asked that the sensitive areas be visibly marked out and that city staff be trained to recognize these habitats in order to avoid similar incidents in Greenway or other parts of the city as well. Having been a 9 year member of the Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Committee and an inaugural member of the board of ReForest London, I very much share Paul’s concern about our sensitive environmental lands and I will continue to pursue strong environmental policies and practices for our city.

Greenway Park is a beautiful multi-use area along the Thames River, consisting of several soccer fields, an off-leash dog park, a playground, paved multi-use paths, and several natural areas that are home to many of London’s Species at Risk, including the Monarch Butterfly.

rrr - City Of London Provides Explanation For Cutting Milkweed In Greenway Park — A large buffer already existed around this soccer field at Greenway Park. The large brown area in the right of the photo was once a large patch of Milkweed until the City of London mowed it after complaints of lost soccer balls. Similar mowing took place around the entire soccer field.

The area in question is located in the west end of Greenway Park, and surrounds one of the city’s soccer fields. At one end of the soccer pitch once stood the largest section of mature Milkweed plants in the park. I have photographed many Monarch Butterflies here over the years, and have observed this Species at Risk in the same location again this year. Despite there already being a large mowed area around the field and behind the goal, serving as a spectator area, the City of London Parks and Recreation Department mowed an even larger section surrounding the field, disrupting the naturalized area including this large patch of Milkweed. According to Ward 11 Councillor Stephen Turner, the city received complaints over lost soccer balls in the adjacent natural areas containing the Milkweed. Unfortunately city staff were unaware of the significance of Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies and mowed these mature plants.

I searched the few remaining Milkweed plants and found one Monarch Caterpillar, proof that this species was reproducing in the area. I can only imagine the number of other caterpillars or pupa destroyed by this mowing.

cat - City Of London Provides Explanation For Cutting Milkweed In Greenway Park — This Monarch Caterpillar was discovered in one of the few remaining Milkweed Plants in Greenway Park, proving that Monarchs were reproducing in the area.

Mature Milkweed plants, such as the ones mowed, produce a large taproot and will grow back next season if mowing ceases. It is unfortunate that this situation happened, but is an excellent opportunity to educate everyone about the state of the Monarch Butterfly and the importance of Milkweed. I am happy with Councillor Turner’s response and agree that city staff need to be trained to recognized these sensitive habitats. I would like to see a permanent sign go up in this area to educate all park users about the significance of Milkweed and why this area needs to be protected. It would also serve as a reminder to city staff not to mow the area in the future, as well as be aware of similar habitats in Greenway and other city parks. After all, soccer balls can be replaced at a local sporting good store, Monarchs however cannot.

no - City Of London Provides Explanation For Cutting Milkweed In Greenway Park — The Milkweeds seed pods on the mowed plants were not yet mature and therefore will not germinate. The mature plants, with their long taproots will emerge next year if mowing is discontinued.

I am glad to hear Councillor Turner, like me, is opposed to the use of cosmetic pesticides. I would like to see the city perhaps take a closer look at areas where they are considering their use to determine if they are really necessary. We are often told that the safest method of application was used, but let’s not confuse safest with safe. When it comes to harmful chemicals that require a sign telling humans to stay off, they are not safe. I find that many of the city parks and ESAs I visit are using spot control methods of pesticide use for Poison Ivy, but not all of these spots require treatment to keep the public safe. The long term cumulative impacts of pesticide use add up. Many of these pesticides are being used in areas where human access is either limited or prohibited. In the case of Greenway Park, pesticides were used along the hedgerow adjacent to the Greenway Pollution Control Centre. This area is seldom used by foot traffic as the multi-use path is across the road. Anyone walking here would run a far greater risk of being struck by a car than coming in contact with the Poison Ivy. Perhaps signage stating that Poison Ivy is present in an area and to remain on marked trails would be a safer alternative. Signage could also save the city money in the long run as fewer areas would require pesticide use.

pest - City Of London Provides Explanation For Cutting Milkweed In Greenway Park — Spot applications of pesticides were applied along the hedge on the left side of the photo to control Poison Ivy. This area does not support human foot traffic and leaves me wondering if application was necessary at all.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances and the timing of this mowing, I am pleased with the response from Councillor Turner and the City of London, and would like to thank him for addressing this matter promptly. Acknowledging that a mistake was made, and hopefully using it as a learning experience to prevent it from happening again, provides a slightly positive twist on an otherwise negative situation.

I would like to thank all those who took the time to share my original post or contacted your City Councillor to express your concerns as well. When it comes to environmental issues like these, education is key. In today’s online world we have the ability to reach thousands of people; taking the time to start a conversation and present information in a positive way can often result in change. By coming together as a community, we can all become environmental stewards and make London, Ontario a better place.

Good birding,
Paul

City Of London Shows Disregard
For Species At Risk

monarch - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — Since Milkweed was removed from the noxious weed list in 2014, many individuals, groups, and municipalities have been adding it to landscapes to create habitat for the at risk Monarch Butterfly. So why would the City of London cut it down in Greenway Park?

It is no surprise that Greenway Park in London, Ontario is one of my favourite locations for birding and to take photographs. The mixed habitat and adjacent Thames River are home to a wide variety of wildlife, and those of you that follow me often see posts and images from this area. Several species found in the park are currently listed as at risk on Ontario’s Species at Risk list, making it one of the best places in the city to view these fragile species.

chimney - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — A large flock of Chimney Swifts was observed feeding on the swarms of insects directly above the area where the City of London applied pesticides in Greenway Park.

This past week while visiting the park, I observed the largest daytime flock of Chimney Swifts (currently listed as threatened in Ontario) that I have ever seen circling over the park and Thames River. Mixed in with this flock were several Barn and Bank Swallows (both listed as threatened in Ontario). Basking on the river banks next to the path were both Northern Map Turtles and Spiny Softshell Turtles (listed as special concern and threatened respectively in Ontario). Finally in the open field a little further down the path I observed four Monarch Butterflies (listed as special concern in Ontario). Observing so many Species at Risk in a forty yard section of the park left me feeling happy and optimistic for the future of these fragile species.

IMG 1086 1 - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — The Spiny Softshell Turtle, currently listed as threatened in Ontario, is one of the many Species at Risk jeopardized by the City of London’s use of pesticides in city parks along the Thames River.

As I rounded the corner of the path, I came across a sign stating that pesticides had been used in the area and to stay off. I called the number on the sign to find out more about the pesticide use. The representative from the company that was contracted by the City of London to apply the pesticides gave me an explanation and stated that the method of application was the safest possible method. Understanding their logic, I thanked them for the information and ended the conversation.

11904650 763822920407826 5338492145669496310 n - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — Regardless of what we are lead to believe, there is no safe way to apply pesticides.

The reality of this situation is that when dealing with Species at Risk, there are no safe pesticides or safe methods to apply them. That would be like saying there is a safe way to smoke a cigarette. If a sign is required telling humans to stay off, how safe are insects or birds whose weight is measured in grams not pounds? Furthermore, are we really supposed to believe that these harmful chemicals do not make their way into the adjacent river with runoff?

carnage - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — This freshly mowed area was once a large patch of Milkweed, a plant critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly. The City of London is responsible for the habitat destruction of this Species at Risk.

Pesticide use has far greater negative impacts than we are often led to believe, and many times the intended target is not the only species being harmed. As an avid nature lover and advocate for Species at Risk, it upsets me to know that our tax dollars are going toward the use of pesticides and potential demise of these species that are supposed to be protected.

no - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — These mulched up seed pods are all that is left of a large patch of Milkweed in Greenway Park after it was unnecessarily mowed by the City of London.

In addition to pesticide use, The City of London, for reasons yet to be determined, has mowed the largest section of Milkweed in the park. We all know how important Milkweed is to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, so I cannot fathom why the city would do this. The really upsetting part is this area was likely still hosting Monarch caterpillars and pupa. I can only image how many future Monarchs were destroyed by this senseless cutting.

IMG 4853 1 - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — This Monarch Butterfly was photographed on the Milkweed in Greenway Park prior to the City of London cutting it down.

These unnecessarily destroyed caterpillars and pupa would have developed into the generation of Monarchs that will soon migrate to their wintering grounds in Mexico. It is this same generation that begins migrating north next spring to continue the cycle.

IMG 5499 1 - City Of London Shows Disregard <br> For Species At Risk — Monarch Butterfly on the leaf of a Milkweed plant in Greenway Park.

I emailed my City Councillor to express my concerns and he forwarded my email on to the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of London. I will be interested to hear what their reasoning is for these two acts that jeopardize Species at Risk and their habitat.

If you are as fed up as I am with the ignorance and blatant disregard for Species at Risk and their habitat, by all levels of government, please share this. If you are a resident of London, Ontario, I encourage you to contact your Councillor to express your concerns.

London’s new City Council has the opportunity to become nationwide leaders when it comes to preserving and protecting Species at Risk. Collectively we can work toward becoming the solution and not the problem.

Good birding,
Paul

The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts

With shorebird migration now underway, I decided to make a trip this past week to the West Perth Wetlands located in Mitchell, Ontario. These wetlands are a well known stopover for shorebirds looking to rest and feed as they move across Southwestern Ontario. After checking the recent sightings reported to eBird, and hearing from a blog subscriber who was there the previous week, I was quite confident there would be a nice mix of shorebirds present.

least - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — The Least Sandpiper is the smallest of the shorebirds, and was one of ten shorebird species I observed on a recent visit to the West Perth Wetlands.

Upon arriving at the wetlands, I looked out over the first pond and immediately saw hundreds of shorebirds. I knew at that moment it was going to be a great day. Glancing along the near shore I was instantly treated to excellent views of several Lesser Yellowlegs and Killdeer as they foraged close to the bank. I caught the movement of a smaller sandpiper out of the corner of my eye, so I raised my binoculars to get a better look. This bird was much smaller than the adjacent Killdeer and displayed yellowish legs indicating it was a Least Sandpiper, the smallest of the “peeps”. As I scanned across the pond I could see two Wilson’s Snipe, a Short-billed Dowitcher, and a Stilt Sandpiper feeding in the shallow water along the far bank. After circling halfway around the first pond I quickly added more shorebirds to my count, including a Solitary Sandpiper feeding on what appeared to be a large tadpole. I counted 10 species of shorebird in total on this trip to the West Perth Wetlands. A complete list of the shorebirds I observed is as follows:

Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Short-billed Dowitcher
Wilson’s Snipe
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer

bobo - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Bobolinks were among the many songbirds present at the West Perth Wetlands.

Several waterfowl species were observed on the various ponds throughout the wetland. Mallards were the most prevalent, but other notable species recorded were Blue and Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, and Northern Shoveler. Songbirds were also abundant, with the highlight for me being several Bobolinks. In total, I observed 43 bird species including the 10 shorebirds on my visit.

butt - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Viceroy Butterfly.

Painted and Snapping Turtles were present throughout the network of ponds, as well as three species of frog: Bull, Green, and Northern Leopard. Monarch, Viceroy, and Red-spotted Purple Butterflies could be seen nectaring on the variety of wildflowers surrounding the ponds. Dragon and Damselflies circled the ponds with Green Darner, Widow and Twelve-spotted Skimmers the most abundant. Mammal species I observed included Groundhogs and Muskrats.

killdeer - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Killdeer setting its wings as it prepares to land on the muddy bank.

What makes the West Perth Wetlands such an amazing place for birding is not only how many shorebirds it attracts, but how close you can view them; this not only provides excellent views, but is perfect for those like me who wish to photograph these beautiful birds. With a pair of binoculars you can easily scan the far banks and still have great views of the distant birds. To make things even better, the network of trails completely circles each pond, which allows you to stealthily approach birds that were previously viewed from a distance. The mowed grass trails are incredibly easy to walk on (with the exception of a few Groundhog holes you must watch for) and the slight rise in elevation offers the perfect vantage point across each of the ponds. A picnic table in the parking lot provides a perfect place to rest or break for lunch.

frr - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Birds at the West Perth Wetlands are always moving around, making it a great place to photograph birds in flight.

Birds are constantly on the move at the wetlands, both coming and going as well as aggressively defending their feeding spots, making it perfect for flight photography. The West Perth Wetlands is the best location near London I know of that provides not only quantity, but variety of shorebirds with the opportunity to view and photograph them from a close distance.

her - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — Great Blue Heron foraging in the shallow water at the West Perth Wetlands.

To get to the West Perth Wetlands from London, take Highway 23 north to the town of Mitchell, Ontario. Once in Mitchell, turn right on Frank Street (the first street on your right as you enter town). Proceed down Frank Street a few hundred yards where you will see a baseball diamond. Turn right at the diamond and follow the road to the end where you will find the parking lot.

musk - The West Perth Wetlands: A Must Destination For Shorebird Enthusiasts — The diverse wetland habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including this Muskrat.

Shorebird identification can be tough, so I recommend taking a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Remember to pay close attention to the subtle differences in each bird. Making note of the size and leg colour can help distinguish many of the smaller sandpipers. With such an incredible variety and quantity of shorebirds at the West Perth Wetlands, it is the perfect place to practice shorebird identification. In many instances you can do side by side comparisons of the various birds. If you have never visited the West Perth Wetlands before, I highly recommend checking it out this migration season. I know I will be returning a few more times before the end of the season.

Good birding,
Paul

Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography

When people take a look at my images, the same question and comment seems to always come up. “How long did you have to wait to get that shot?” or “you must be really patient”. Yes, I am patient, but rarely do I apply this to my photography. I find that being observant is far more advantageous, and yields better results than being patient. There are many photographers out there who will sit in a blind all day demonstrating great patience to get the shot. I, however, prefer to keep moving and observe the wildlife around me and their behaviour, so that I can later put myself in a position to get the shot. This not only saves time, but it also allows me to cover more ground and photograph more species.

I like visiting new areas, but I also enjoy returning to old favourites. By making several visits to the same location, I am able to observe the wildlife in that area and make note of their behaviour and any patterns that I observe. You may be surprised at how predictable an animal can be after observing it for several days in the same location. This to me far outweighs staying in one location all day, in hopes of a bird flying by or landing within range.

robin 2 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **Rather than waiting all day in frigid temperatures for robins that may or may not show up, I prefer to use observation over patience.**

Let me give you a few examples to demonstrate. During winter months one of my favourite locations to bird is along the Thames River. With the abundance of waterfowl, songbirds and the easy walking on the plowed trails, I find it hard to stay away. American Robins can often be observed all winter feeding in the various fruit trees that grow along the river banks. One winter, I observed the same flock repeatedly over the course of a week as I walked along the river from Greenway to Springbank Park. As fruit was consumed, the birds would move ever so slightly down the bank each day following the food source. One February morning I woke up to the remnants of an incredible ice storm. I immediately thought how great those robins would look feeding on the berries with the branches all covered in ice. I grabbed my camera, jumped in my truck and headed to the park. As predicted, there was the flock of robins gorging themselves on berries following the inclement weather. I fired off several shots and was very happy with the results when I returned home. No sitting, waiting or patience required, only knowing where the birds would be based on that week’s observations allowed me to achieve these images. My total time in the field that day was 15 minutes.

eagle 1 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **After watching this Bald Eagle perched in the same tree at the same time on multiple days, I decided to return another day a bit earlier to capture its landing.**

eagle 2 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **The second of a series of frames capturing the juvenile Bald Eagle landing.**

Bald Eagles and other raptors can be very predictable if observed repeatedly. I often find the same bird perched in the same tree at the same time every day. By paying attention to these details I save a lot of time, energy and gas when looking to photograph birds. One week while observing Bald Eagles, I found one particular juvenile bird always perched in the same tree every day at 11 am. I managed several static shots of the bird but wanted some flight shots as well. Not wanting to wait all day, or being one to bait birds or chase them off a perch in order to get a flight shot, I simply returned to the location a few minutes before 11 am the next day. As anticipated, the eagle approached its favourite perch and I was able to capture several frames of the large raptor in flight, prior to its landing. Again, no patience was required, only the power of observation.

eagle 3 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **Being in position at the right time based on observation, resulted in this series of shots.**

eagle 4 - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **The final shot, the juvenile Bald Eagle now perched in the tree. Total waiting time for this series of shots, about six minutes.**

This past winter, birders flocked from all over Southwestern Ontario to the Thames River in hopes of getting a glimpse of the rare Harlequin Duck that overwintered on the river. A lifer for me, I found myself down at the river every chance I had trying to photograph this beautiful bird. It didn’t take long for me to pick up on this bird’s habits and behaviour. The Harlequin Duck is a bird of fast-moving water and this particular bird demonstrated this perfectly. I was able to observe the bird repeatedly as he dove and fed in a small section of rapids. Once it had drifted downstream out of the rapids and into the slower moving water it would then fly upstream to just ahead of the rapids and perform the same drift again. I watched as this duck did this over and over again. Situated where there was a nice clearing in the trees, I was able to get multiple shots of not only the duck diving and feeding, but also flight shots as it passed by before making another drift.

I cannot tell you the number of birders I watched chase this Harlequin Duck up and down the river trying to photograph it through trees and other obstructions. I spoke to a few onlookers holding cameras who had gathered in hopes of getting a shot. I explained that the bird would be back, and suggested staying put and being ready. Sure enough, only a few minutes passed and back came the Harlequin Duck in flight upriver and right passed us. The other photographers were not only excited to capture the bird as it flew then floated by, but were surprised how I knew the bird would be back. Simply observing the bird over the course of a few days was all I needed to understand and predict its behaviour, resulting in the shots I wanted and an incredible experience.

harlequin - Being Observant Outweighs Being Patient In Wildlife Photography — **A few days of observing this Harlequin Duck’s behaviour was all I needed to put myself into a position to achieve the shots I was after.**

These are only a few examples of my experiences where being observant far outweighed being patient. For me, observation results in more images than waiting all day for them to happen. Knowing and excepting that the shot I am looking for may not present itself that day and moving on is where my patience comes in. Patience for me comes over an extended period of time rather than devoting an entire day to staying in one spot. Observing the same bird over the course of several days, not only gives me the opportunity to achieve the shot I want, but it also allows the bird to become accustomed to my presence and less timid.

For most of us, photography is a hobby. Our lives are too busy to spend eight hours a day in the field waiting for a shot to present itself. We can, however, find time several times a week to get out for a walk with our cameras, and closely watch the wildlife that we come across to pick up a few patterns. By doing this I think you will achieve greater results in not only what you see, but what you are able to capture with your camera as well.

Good birding,
Paul

Subscribe To My Blog

Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area

Despite the fact that fall is still more than seven weeks away, it is time to start thinking migration. Many birds, including shorebirds, begin to migrate across our area as early as August. Several sightings have been reported already from around the area; I personally have noticed an increase in Yellowlegs within London, making now the perfect time to get out and search for these early migrants.

With shorebirds having already begun their journey south, there are several locations in and around the Forest City where they can be readily observed. The Coves, located only minutes from the city’s core, is an excellent place to view shorebirds as they stop over to rest and feed. With the lack of rainfall this summer, water levels are currently low; this provides shallow water and exposed muddy flats, the perfect habitat for shorebirds. Spotted Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, as well as Solitary Sandpipers are among the species readily observed at The Coves.

Great Egrets frequently stop over at The Coves during August, making it one of the best locations in the city to view these beautiful birds. I recommend weekly visits to The Coves this month, as more birds will show up as the season progresses. To access The Coves, turn onto Greenside Avenue from Springbank Drive. Parking is available at the side of the road. From there, it is a short walk back to Springbank Drive where excellent views of The Coves can be taken in from the sidewalk on both sides of the street. There is a traffic light at the intersection of Greenside Avenue and Springbank Drive, making crossing the four lanes quite easy and much safer.

Solitary Sadpiper - Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area — This Solitary Sandpiper was observed from Springbank Drive in London, Ontario as it foraged in the shallow water of The Coves.

Several of the newer subdivisions in the city have stormwater management ponds within them. These too are excellent areas to locate shorebirds within the city. Take a look at a map of London for some of these newly created ponds mostly on the corners of the city. A short car ride to these locations can often yield great results. One pond in particular that seems to attract a variety of shorebirds, herons, kingfishers, and even egrets is located behind the Canadian Tire store on Wonderland Road. Be sure to make these small, man made ponds, a part of your fall birding, as they can provide a temporary home for several species.

Venturing out of London can also be very rewarding for observing shorebirds. One of my favourite locations is the Port Stanley sewage lagoons. This area is birder friendly with two observation towers overlooking the four ponds. Several species of shorebird can be observed foraging along the muddy banks from the elevated towers. Birds at this location are not viewed as close as at other locations, so be sure to take binoculars or a spotting scope. To get to the Pot Stanley lagoons, follow Highway 4 south to the town of Port Stanley. Once you arrive in town, turn right on Warren Street (the first street on your right at the baseball diamond). Proceed through the four way stop (here Warren Street turns into Lake Line). Continue on Lake Line to the top of the hill, and make a right on Scotch Line. Follow the bend in the road and you will see the first of the two observation towers on your left.

Lesser Yellowlegs - Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area — Lesser Yellowlegs are one of the most abundant shorebirds observed in our area during migration.

Other popular area spots for observing shorebirds, although longer drives, are the sewage lagoons located on Pike Road in Strathroy, Ontario and the West Perth Wetlands on Frank Street in Mitchell, Ontario. The West Perth Wetlands often attract the widest variety and less common shorebirds, making it well worth the one hour drive from London.

Having success locating shorebirds is very much dependent on water levels. These birds require shallow water with exposed mud or sand for feeding. Too much water and shorebirds simply will not be present. As mentioned previously, water levels at many locations are currently ideal for attracting shorebirds. Having said that, venturing out to find shorebirds after a moderate rain can be quite successful. As the fresh rain is absorbed into the muddy flats, many of the invertebrates that shorebirds feed on are forced to the surface creating a feeding frenzy.

Great Egret - Migration Underway As Shorebirds Move Across The Area — Great Egrets can be observed while searching area ponds for shorebirds.

Shorebirds are among the most difficult when it comes to identification. Many birders struggle to identify the different species that make up this group of birds. Adding to the confusion at this time of year is the addition of juvenile birds, as well as those transitioning from breeding to winter plumage. Remember to observe the subtle differences in field marks when trying to identify shorebirds. Pay close attention to size, leg colour, bill length, as well as any distinct plumage features to assist with identification. Managing a quick photo, even a low quality one, can often lead to proper identification upon returning home. If you have a photo of a bird you are having difficulty identifying, feel free to contact me. I am always happy to help fellow birders with identification.

Although it does not garner quite as much hype as spring migration, fall migration is an exciting time of year. Large concentrations of birds can be observed in rather small areas, providing excellent views and photographic opportunities. If you are like me and keep a life and year list, the large number of shorebirds can boost your totals fast. With their long legs and bills, plus their unique behaviour, shorebirds are among the most interesting birds to observe. Take the time this month to get out to some of these area hotspots, and enjoy the beautiful shorebirds that are passing through our area.

Good birding,
Paul

Control Your Backyard Pests The Natural Way

As summer approaches and evening temperatures rise, many people enjoy relaxing on their decks, porches, and patios after a long day at work. These relaxing evenings can quickly be cut short by annoying visitors. No, I’m not talking about the neighbor down the street, or a family member showing up for the dreaded “pop-in”, I’m talking about insects. Mosquitoes especially can quickly ruin and otherwise peaceful evening in your yard. There are plenty of ways for dealing with these and other unwanted insects, but before you go reaching for harmful pesticides, consider the natural method.

Bats are small mammals found throughout our area; they emerge each evening during warmer months to consume mosquitoes and other insects. Some bats consume as many as 1000 insects per hour each evening, making them important members of our ecosystem, and welcome residents in any yard. Attracting bats to your yard is easy, and the perfect, natural method for controlling insects.

house - Control Your Backyard Pests The Natural Way — A DIY bat box like this one I built can be made in a couple of hours for less than $15.00

Bats often roost in groups, and providing a shelter in the form of a bat box is one way to attract more bats to your yard. When bats roost, they can fall prey to a variety of predators including, hawks, owls, raccoons, and cats. A bat box will ensure bats are kept safe during roosting hours. Bat boxes are available commercially and can be purchased from the same local retailer where you purchase your nest boxes and feed for your backyard birds. If you are looking for a fun project to do at home with your kids, bat boxes are easy to make with very few tools required.

Currently in Ontario, two of our bats are listed as endangered on the Species at Risk list: the Little Brown Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat. These bats are threatened by White Nose Syndrome, a disease that disrupts their hibernation cycle, causing them to use up their fat reserves before they emerge in the spring when they can actively feed again. While a bat box cannot prevent or cure White Nose Syndrome, it can protect each delicate individual from falling prey to predators.

I recently made my own bat box with free plans I found on the Organization for Bat Conservation website. This project only took a few hours to complete (not including paint drying time) and materials cost less than $15.00. The box I built is large enough to hold up to 100 roosting bats, and easily mounted to the back of my house with two screws. According to the plans, bat boxes should be mounted at least 15 feet high and in area that is obstruction free for 20 feet surrounding the box. Box temperature is key, so here in the north it is recommended that boxes face south to southeast where they will receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. It is also advised to paint the outside of the bat box dark brown or black with a non-toxic latex paint to absorb more of the sun’s heat.

peregrine - Control Your Backyard Pests The Natural Way — It has been more than 40 years since the ban of DDT and the Peregrine Falcon is still listed as a Species at Risk in Ontario; proof that pesticides have harmful, long lasting effects on more than just insects.

Using pesticides has long lasting, harmful effects on our environment. In many cases, non-targeted species including beneficial insects, mammals and birds are impacted by pesticides. DDT was the leading factor in the decimation of several bird species, including the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. More than 40 years since the ban of DDT, these birds of prey are still listed as Species at Risk in Ontario. More recently, we have seen the negative effects neonicotinoids have on several species. The decline of Honey Bees and other beneficial insects required for pollination and the link to neonicotinoids has been well documented in the media for several years, but more recent studies are linking them to several bird population declines.

ep - Control Your Backyard Pests The Natural Way — Although not a Species at Risk, the Eastern Phoebe is one of many insect eating birds that has seen their numbers decrease in recent years.

Pesticides harm birds by either reducing the number of insects and therefore depleting their food supply, or by the bird ingesting a poisoned insect. Take a look at the birds listed on the Ontario Species at Risk list and count how many of these consume insects as their sole or primary food. Coincidence? I don’t think so. By poisoning unwanted insects we are also poisoning beneficial insects including Honey Bees, and butterflies, as well as the birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that consume them.

chimey swift - Control Your Backyard Pests The Natural Way — The Chimney Swift, an aerial insectivore, is currently listed as threatened in Ontario. Eliminating the use of pesticides is one way to help this species rebound.

Eliminating pesticide use around our homes is a simple measure we can all take to improve our environment. Multiple species, from the tiniest insects to the largest birds will all benefit from your actions. By creating a safe natural environment, one with plenty of native plants and free from chemicals, you will ultimately attract more wildlife. You will also have peace of mind knowing you’ve done your part to make a difference. What better way to relax after a long day at work than to grab your favourite beverage, head outside and enjoy the private natural oasis you’ve created.

Good birding,
Paul

Good Birding Report: London, Ontario
May 29 – June 5, 2015

indigo - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> May 29 - June 5, 2015 — This brightly coloured male Indigo Bunting was observed at Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area in Sarnia, Ontario

Early in the week, I found myself in Sarnia, Ontario with a few spare hours, so naturally I sought out somewhere to go birding. I decided to hike the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area located on Blackwell Road in the city’s east end. Despite the name, the area is more than just wetland, with a nice mix of habitat including a large forested area and open meadows. This variety provides perfect habitat for several species. In total, I observed 32 species while hiking the 2.5 km trail. No rarities to report from this area, but I had excellent views of many songbirds including: Indigo Bunting, Red-eyed Vireo, House Wren, and Cedar Waxwings to name a few. If you ever find yourself in Sarnia and looking for a place to bird, I recommend visiting Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.

loon - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> May 29 - June 5, 2015 — The highlight of this past week was seeing this Common Loon in the Thames River at Greenway Park.

Back home in London, I birded several city parks along the Thames River this past week. The highlight for me was a single Common Loon observed in the Thames at Greenway Park on Wednesday morning. I figured the loon sighting was worthy of reporting to eBIrd, so I began compiling a list and tallied 35 species in total from this visit. The loon was indeed deemed rare by eBIrd, given the species, location, and/or time of year, and I submitted my photo for confirmation. Other species observed that day can be found on my eBird checklist.

osp - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> May 29 - June 5, 2015 — This active Osprey nest at Labatt Park has been used annually for several years.

Further upstream near the forks of the Thames, the Osprey were active near the nest at Labatt Park. When I first arrived a lone bird was sitting on the nest, but it wasn’t long before another adult showed up with a fish in its talons. The morning sun illuminated the birds perfectly against the blue sky. Colonies of Barn and Cliff Swallows are also nesting in the area, with both species being observed flying over the river as they captured insects. Active nests are a positive sign, especially for the Barn Swallow which is a Species at Risk.

redspot - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> May 29 - June 5, 2015 — This Red-spotted Purple Butterfly nectaring from this viburnum flower was one of many butterflies observed at Westminster Ponds ESA.

Finally, I wrapped up the week birding at Westminster Ponds ESA. For butterfly enthusiasts, activity here was great with sightings of several species including: Brushfoots, Sulphurs, Skippers, and Hairstreaks. Bird activity was excellent too, including three species of flycatcher: Great Crested, Eastern Phoebe, and Eastern Kingbird. Woodpeckers were also plentiful as I quickly tallied four species: Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, and the large and very vocal Pileated.

pho - Good Birding Report: London, Ontario <br> May 29 - June 5, 2015 — Eastern Phoebe, Westminster Ponds ESA.

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Brown Thrashers, and Gray Catbirds could all be seen and heard on the east side of Saunders Pond. An immature Red-tailed Hawk, perched adjacent to the pond, was continuously harassed by both Red-winged Blackbirds and a Baltimore Oriole. Turkey Vultures and an Osprey were among the other birds of prey present. As was the case last week, Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers were both noticed around the pond. Multiple small songbird species were observed, with warblers, vireos, and various sparrow species recorded.

With plenty of sunshine and moderate winds predicted, this weekend looks perfect for birding. If I had to pick one area that is producing the best views and the most variety, it would definitely be Westminster Ponds ESA.

Good birding,

Paul

Good Birding Report London, Ontario
May 22-29, 2015

fly - Good Birding Report London, Ontario <br> May 22-29, 2015 — Observing Great Crested Flycatchers often involves looking high up in the canopy of a tree.

Over the past week, birding was quite typical of what we expect across the region in late May. Migration activity has slowed considerably, but great birding opportunities are still available to those who head out. Resident species, and those that have returned to breed in our area, are plentiful and provide birders with some great views.

butt - Good Birding Report London, Ontario <br> May 22-29, 2015 — As we move into late spring and early summer more butterfly species appear. This Black Swallowtail was one of several species I observed this past week.

I decided early in the week to visit Medway Valley ESA in the northwest end of town. Access to this ESA is available at various locations, but I chose the entrance behind the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate. Immediately, I was treated to the sights and sounds of Red-eyed Vireos. Heading down the narrow dirt trail towards the creek revealed two Indigo Buntings, both beautiful males. Further down the trail, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Chipping Sparrows, and a Gray Catbird were observed. Once I reached the creek, Barn Swallows could be seen swooping over the water as they fed on insects. A single Belted Kingfisher was perched on a dead limb extending over the creek. As has been the case everywhere I have birded this spring, Yellow Warblers were abundant. A lone Great Blue Heron made its way over the creek with slow but powerful wing beats.

rose - Good Birding Report London, Ontario <br> May 22-29, 2015 — This male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was one of many colourful birds I observed at Medway Valley ESA.

Hoping to see some shorebirds, particularly Whimbrel, I made my way down to Port Stanley, Ontario on the north shore of Lake Erie. My first stop when arriving in town is always the sewage lagoons. As I turned onto Lake Line, an Eastern Bluebird could be seen on a wire overhead. This particular area is a great place to observe these colourful birds. Arriving at the lagoons, both Bank and Barn Swallows could be observed circling the four ponds. The water on the lagoons was quite high, which is less desirable for shorebirds, and only a few Least Sandpipers were observed. Waterfowl species observed on the four lagoons were: Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, and Ruddy Ducks.

glaucous - Good Birding Report London, Ontario <br> May 22-29, 2015 — This Immature Glaucous Gull, a lifer for me, was observed among a flock of Ring-billed and Herring Gulls on the main beach in Port Stanley, Ontario.

My next stop in Port Stanley was to check the rock break wall, south of Little Beach. Here I found Common Terns, Double Crested Cormorants, and more Least Sandpipers, but unfortunately no Whimbrel. Finally, I headed over to the main beach to see what was present there. No shorebird activity, but several Great Black-backed Gulls, both adults and immatures were observed. While scanning the large flock of Herring and Ring-billed Gulls on the beach, I noticed a large, mostly white gull land. Its immense size and white wing tips indicated it was a Glaucous Gull. These birds are not as common as other gulls in our area as they breed on the high Arctic, but juveniles especially, are known to overwinter on the Great Lakes. I was quite excited by this observation as this was a life bird for me.

mall - Good Birding Report London, Ontario <br> May 22-29, 2015 — Saunders Pond in the Westminster Ponds ESA revealed my first family of Mallards of the season.

Over the week I made multiple visits to the Westminster Ponds ESA, another one of my favourite locations close to home. One notable sighting was a Common Loon observed on Saunders Pond Monday evening. Brown Thrashers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Pileated Woodpeckers, and an Osprey were all observed within the ESA. It was here that I observed my first Mallard ducklings of the season, as a female with four young slipped through the duckweed on the surface of the pond. Shorebirds including Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers were observed around the small drainage pond behind Parkwood Hospital.

spot - Good Birding Report London, Ontario <br> May 22-29, 2015 — Spotted Sandpiper foraging among the rocks of a small drainage pond behind Parkwood Hospital.

Great birding opportunities exist around Southwestern Ontario despite the fact that we are past the prime of spring migration. Avoid the mid day heat and plan your outings either in the morning or evening to yield best results. Experts are warning of a bad tick season, and mosquito activity definitely picked up this past week, so remember to apply a bug repellant with deet before you make your way into the great outdoors. So often I hear people complain that birding is slow throughout the late spring and summer months. Nothing could be further from the truth. Southwestern Ontario falls well within the year round range or breeding range of hundreds of species, making anytime the perfect time to go birding.

Good birding,
Paul